Today's News

Column as I see ’em …
As hard it might be to believe, the least objectionable thing the Anderson County Board of Education did last Wednesday was raise your property tax rates.
The most objectionable? Blatant dishonesty, bordering on outright lies.
In a remarkably unconscionable and despicable display, school board members actually used the threat of a “state” takeover of the school system to rationalize raising your taxes.

The Board of Education heard both pleas from staff and criticism from angry taxpayers during its special-called public hearing and meeting on the 2013 tax rates last Wednesday night.
Following a heated public hearing, the board approved 3-2 to set a 3 percent revenue increase tax rate at $5.70 per $1,000 assessed value, a 3.26 percent increase.
School board president James Sargent, vice president Scott Brown and board member Donna Crain Drury voted for the increase. Board members Lee Hahn and Roger McDowell voted against the rate.

Healing Field Poker Run
to be held Sept. 14
The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 34 will host its 6th Healing Field Poker Run on Sept. 14.
The poker run will start at the American Legion Post 34, 725 W. Broadway in Lawrenceburg, with registration held 10-11:30 a.m. on the day of the ride. Kickstands go up at noon sharp.
Poker hands are $10 each, and extra cards are $5 with a limit of two extra cards.
“The Healing Field honors all Kentucky soldiers who have given their lives in the War on Terrorism,” event organizers said.

Why was the decision handed down to modify the tradition of post-game and post-practice prayers by the Anderson County High School football team? Why were head coach Mark Peach and his staff told they could not participate in the prayers, even if they are not leading them.

The owners of Wild Turkey Distillery celebrated the opening of their new $40 million packaging facility Tuesday morning, then moved on to more important matters.
As Gov. Steve Beshear, Mayor Edwinna Baker and company officials made remarks, shot glasses filled with the famous amber bourbon were passed out to dozens of invited guests, employees and dignitaries who then joined together to congratulate Master Distiller Jimmy Russell on the anniversary of his 59th year at the distillery.

Superintendent Sheila Mitchell is currently reviewing district policies on all religious activities following legal guidance from the state and the school district’s attorney.
Mitchell said she sought legal counsel after the ACLU of KY sent letters to superintendents in August asking for the district to stop Gideons International from handing out Bibles during school hours or face potential litigation.

By Meaghan Downs
and Ben Carlson
News staff
Attorneys for the city council and fiscal court confirmed this week that, despite the ACLU’s contention that it violates the Establishment Clause of the Constitution, both will continue to open their meetings in prayers.
“We’re living in a poor place when you can’t have a prayer for the community,” council member Ken Evans said Monday afternoon.

Just days after the Anderson County School District issued an edict against coaches and staff leading students in prayer, attorneys for the city council and fiscal court vowed to pray on before holding public meetings.
Threatened litigation by the ACLU over Bible distribution in schools has sparked one of the most passionate and controversial topics to hit Anderson County in recent memory, and has already resulted in drastic changes to school policy that were on full display last Friday night.